Everton player ratings vs Arsenal

Everton slumped to a late draw at Goodison Park in what was a disappointing end to an exciting match for the hosts, as they drew 2-2 with Arsenal.

The Toffees were in near total control in the first half as Gareth Barry and Leon Osman dictated central midfield and it was Barry who provided the assist for Seamus Coleman to head past Wojciech Szczesny in the 19th minute on his return from an injury lay-off.

The second goal was brought about through a brilliant passage of play that was finished off by Stephen Naismith - from an offside position that the linesman failed to spot.

It was only after the introduction of Santi Cazorla and Joel Campbell in the 74th minute that improvement came from a previously under-performing Arsenal side.

The Gunners finally got on the score sheet in the 83rd minute as a low cross from Cazorla found Aaron Ramsey, who calmly slotted home from just a few yards out.

From then on, Everton were on the back foot as the Gunners grew in confidence and then doubled their goal tally in the 90th minute.

Olivier Giroud, who was brought on at half-time, rose to meet Nacho Monreal’s cross and powered his header home.

Find out who impressed in what became Everton’s second 2-2 draw in as many games.

Tim Howard: 7 – The American was a passenger during most of the first half and he could do little to stop either of Arsenal’s goals.

He did well to get down to Olivier Giroud’s skidding shot from just outside the area in the 69th minute.

Seamus Coleman: 8 – The defender played well and grabbed a goal on his return from injury. The Irishman was also a threat going forward and, as expected, won his battle against the poor Mesut Ozil. He has done no harm to his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most impressive attacking right-backs.

Sylvain Distin: 6 – The veteran defender did well to block Jack Wilshere’s shot on the hour mark but was unable to prevent Giroud’s headed goal.

Phil Jagielka: 6- The Englishman was rarely troubled but failed to prevent either of the Gunners’ goals.

Leighton Baines: 7 – The left-back got Everton’ only yellow card of the game after a reckless challenge on Debuchy. However, he was otherwise not troubled defensively and did very well to get the ball into the six-yard box when surrounded by Arsenal shirts.

Steven Naismith: 8 – Despite being in an offside position for the goal, the Scot did very well to beat Wojciech Szczsesny from a difficult position. The player was did well in using his body to shield the ball to win free kicks in the Arsenal half. The former Rangers star was possibly the Toffees’ most impressive player after 90 minutes.

Kevin Mirallas: 5 – Should have done better on his return from injury when put through by Naismith but he scuffed his shot and the ball rolled wide. He could also have done better when he shot straight at Szczesny in the 33rd minute.

James McCarthy: 7 – The Irishman played well in the centre of midfield despite being sent flying early in the first half after a tough challenge from Alexis Sanchez.

Gareth Barry: 7 – The Englishman was as impressive as always in the defensive midfield role and he set the ball rolling for Everton’s first goal when Arsenal’s free kick was played straight to him. He was the victim of a nasty challenge from Jack Wilshere in the second half and was clearly in pain.

Steven Pienaar: 6 – The winger only lasted 10 minutes before having to be replaced by Leon Osman after Calum Chambers kneed him in the back.

Romelu Lukaku: 8 – The former Chelsea frontman used his strength well and was a constant threat going forward. The Belgian also provided the assist for Naismith’s first half goal.

SUBS:

Leon Osman: 7 - The 33-year-old was relatively quiet but did little wrong after replacing the injured Pienaar.

Aiden McGeady: 7 – The former Celtic player did well when he replaced Romelu Lukaku in the 76th minute. He fed the ball to Naismith but the Scot was unable to hit the target. Christian Atsu: 6 – The Chelsea loanee had little time to impress when brought on in the 85th minute but showed a few bursts of pace.

Christian Atsu: 6 – The Chelsea loanee had little time to impress when brought on in the 85th minute but showed a few bursts of pace.

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